MIT - Hood Hub Pediatric Innovation Awards

2026

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The MIT – Hood Pediatric Innovation Hub invites visionary teams to help shape the future of pediatric healthcare with the launch of the MIT–Hood Hub Pediatric Innovation Awards. We are seeking bold ideas that have the potential to ignite transformative change for children and families worldwide. If your work reimagines how we monitor, diagnose, or care for children—whether through software, hardware, or integrated solutions—we want to hear from you.

Our goal is to accelerate the development, translation, and adoption of innovative technologies, inspire pioneering models of care, and unlock opportunities that empower every child to lead a healthier life.

We welcome proposals from interdisciplinary teams across academia, healthcare, industry, and community organizations. Projects must focus on child health and help build enduring resources for the Hub community. 

Areas of Interest

  • AI and computational tools for pediatric care
  • Wearables, sensors, and data systems for real-time monitoring in clinics, homes, or schools
  • Devices and diagnostics designed specifically for children
  • Outreach and networking projects working to ensure that innovations reach all children in need

Funding

  • Awards: $75,000–$150,000 (typical award ~$100,000)
  • Awards will be inclusive of overhead.
  • Duration: 12 months

Application Process

Initial Application

All are welcome to submit a white paper of no more than 3 pages that addresses an area of interest and the key elements of the review criteria listed below. A short description of the proposed team must be included with submissions - this is not counted towards the 3-page limit.

A multidisciplinary committee will review submissions for:

  • Innovation and technical strength
  • Clinical relevance and potential impact
  • Alignment with the Hub’s resources and mission
  • Feasibility and potential for translation from discovery to care
  • Contribution to shared Hub resources

Initial applications are due by 5:00pm EST on April 30th, 2026.

Full Application

Selected teams will be invited to develop their white papers into comprehensive proposals for funding consideration.

Download the RFP
Contact us with questions
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Submit your application for the

2026 MIT - Hood Hub Pediatric Innovation Awards

Application Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. There is no requirement for a pre-existing affiliation with MIT.

Yes – we encourage teams with bold ideas from around the world to apply.

All of the above.

We encourage proposals that create enduring artifacts usable by subsequent groups of innovators associated with the Hub. For instance, a project that creates a data set to accomplish its goals and leaves this artifact with the Hub for subsequent innovators to use would be an example of this intent.

There are no restrictions on collaborative applications. For clarity, we recommend that the individual applying as PI should be with the intended awardee organization; you may also note this in the team description.

There are no restrictions regarding participant rank or the location of a PI’s appointment.

While we encourage PIs and teams to focus, we will accept up to 2 initial applications per PI.